About
The first inspiration formy creative life came from my high school English teacher who assured methat poor speling, poor grammer, and a highly experimental approach towriting would not necessarily limit my literary future. Later, as ananthropology graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, Igreatly admired the poignant beauty for Loren Eiseley's prose.Scientist, humanist, naturalist, and poet, his ability to interweavepaleontology with personal reflections on the human condition was mostinspiring. I especially remember two memorable occasions when we met forlunch at a nearby cafeteria where we shared our thoughts on science andhumanity - issues which emerged several years later in his highlypopular book, 'The Immense Journey.' While our interests soondiverged, his literary achievements continue to inspire me to this day.
In addition to teaching anthropology at theUniversity of Oklahoma, McGill, and Connecticut, I have served onnumerous national and international panels and boards including those ofthe National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council, theAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science, the AmericanAnthropological Association, and the Arctic Institute of NorthAmerica.
Interests outside of anthropology andwriting include music and flying. Early musical studies at the EastmanSchool of Music and Oberlin Conservatory led to a decade-longinvolvement as jazz drummer and band leader; while washing planes forflying lessons culminated in a long term commitment to the joys andadventure of flight. Highlights of these flights included exploring themountains, river valleys, and wilderness areas of Canada and Alaska withmy anthropologist-pilot wife, Nancy Fogel-Chance.
Description
<p>Terrified California residents face the shocking dilemma of yet another serial killer roaming freely in their neighborhoods. However, this time it is an evolving serial killer anomaly that relentlessly searches for, hunts down, and ingeniously traps his victims before unleashing his fiery rage. Always two steps ahead of the cops and fire investigators, the killer hones in on the next sinful target leaving a trail of bones and ashes behind as evidence. It rocks the criminal justice system to the core as a string of arson murders hits inside their turf.</p><p>Vigilante detective Emily Stone hunts serial killers and child abductors, covertly and under the law enforcement radar, with her intrinsic skills of criminal profiling and forensic investigation. With Stone’s toughest case yet, the arson serial killer immediately crosses her radar and sends her into the dark territory of a lethal pyromaniac’s mind – to the point of no return.</p><p>While following the clues of the relentless firebomber, Stone grabs the attention of a government anti-terrorist organization called GATE that oversees all law enforcement cases across the U.S., which now focuses their sights on her proven abilities. They have very specific plans for her, whether she likes it or not.</p><p>Everything teeters on the edge of reality, as Stone must battle for her life between a hired assassin and an arson serial killer. Lines are drawn on both sides of the law. Friendships and lovers are tested.</p>
Story Behind The Book
When you read the Prologue to the 'Betrayal,' you learn that Carrie Graham died in a tragic automobile accident shortly before finishing her novel on environmental contamination at a military base in Alaska. A major purpose of this Backstory is to assist in achieving her original goal.
Shortly before her death, she shared several thoughts with me that she had been hesitant to express earlier. To what extent could she draw on the experiences of a real person in developing a character in her novel? Was there a line that should not be crossed? How dangerous is it to expose criminal malfeasance on the part of a specific individual or government agency? And finally, what steps could she take to protect herself from betrayal by others?
Included in the novel's web site is an interactive database where readers can explore actual events referred to in the novel; along with unclassified government documents and a Search and Feedback section. Also available is a Forum enabling participants to share their own views on the environmental concerns raised by Carrie.
